Cameroon timber Cole Palmer has opened up about the moment with Erling Haaland during Manchester City’s showdown against Chelsea, clarifying that Haaland saw the funny side of his attempts to eavesdrop on Manchester City’s team talk during the closing stages of Sunday’s Premier League clash.
In a dramatic face-off against his childhood club since joining Chelsea in the summer, Palmer showcased his composure by slotting home a crucial injury-time penalty, clinching a vital point for the Blues and displaying an impressive individual performance.
During a pause in play, as City’s senior players gathered to strategize for a final push, they noticed Palmer lingering within earshot of their discussion.
Haaland playfully gave his former teammate a shove upon noticing Palmer straying within listening range but the 21-year-old insists it was done in jest.
Palmer said: ‘I didn’t hear anything, I was just having a laugh to be honest. I think Erling found it pretty funny, I don’t think the others did.’
Cole Palmer has made an instant impact at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea fans have taken to his languid, almost nonchalant style which was exemplified by the way in which he celebrated his ice-cool penalty with a casual shrug of his shoulders.
‘When I saw the ref give the penalty, I just thought ‘it’s my time’,’ Palmer said. ‘I spoke to Raz (Raheem Sterling). He said ‘what’s happening?’ and I was like ‘I want to take it’.
‘He was like ‘fine’ and then when I put the ball down I just tried to focus on a spot and put it there.’
Asked if he felt pressure or nerves, he said: ‘Not really, to be honest.
‘I felt I was waiting for a while and obviously I did think about my old club and stuff but after that not really.
‘It was a crazy game. I did feel a bit nervous before and a bit weird to see everyone from the club I’ve been at for 15 years.
‘But when the game started it felt normal and it was a good game.’